Oakford resident Joyce Erceg is behind a grassroots push to green up local government investment in WA and its building momentum with the City of Armadale recently changing its policy to favour ‘green’ investments.
Ms Erceg volunteers for global grassroots organisation 350.org, which aims to reduce investments in banks that helped fund fossil fuel projects – a process called divestment.
At their ordinary meeting of council on November 23, councillors agreed to amend their investment policies to favour ‘green’ investments providing they met risk and diversification tests.
Armadale followed Fremantle and Goomalling councils in changing its investment practices and were the 14th in the country.
Ms Erceg said she was very happy Armadale made the decision to favour greener investments and she hoped other councils would soon follow.
“It is very important because divestment as a movement can be very powerful,” she said.
“We’re just trying to get the banks to realise that people aren’t happy with them investing in fossil fuels.
“It is a move which will not cost the (Armadale) council anything, but will help in the transition to a carbon free economy.”
In their report to councillors city officers said by changing its policy it would send a clear market signal away from environmental damaging fossil fuel industries.
For more information visit 350.org.
